Grafenau

Grafenau, the oldest town in the Bavarian Forest and headquarters of the National Park Administration, has an impressive history, represented by many points of interest and is surrounded by unspoilt nature. There are several reasons for the choice of the bear as mascot: bears once lived in the forests around Grafenau as evidenced by many local names.

There is also a bear in Grafenau’s coat of arms, as can be seen on the battlements of the town walls. And during festivals such as the historic Salt Carriers’ Fest in August, the town ‘bear’ can be seen in the medieval market. Because of the flourishing salt trade between Bavaria and Bohemia in the middle ages, Grafenau is also known as ‚the salt carriers‘ town‘. The salt carriers used to bring salt from Reichenhall and Hallein via the golden path through  Schärding and Grafenau to Bohemia.   

Website:  http://www.grafenau.de/